His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche is the 12th Throne Holder of Palyul Lineage. He was recognized by both H.H. Penor Rinpoche and H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche as the unmistaken reincarnation of the 4th Karma Kuchen Rinpoche (Karma Thegchog Nyingpo).

H.H. Karma Kuchen Rinpoche studied and perfected the teachings of Namcho (Sky Teachings) preliminaries (ordinary and extraordinary), Tsalung and up to Dzogpachenpo under the direct guidance of H.H. Penor Rinpoche. He also took the Bhikshu and Bodhisattva vows, and received the Namcho, Ratna Lingpa’s revelations and Rinchen Terzoed empowerments from H.H. Penor Rinpoche. In addition, he received many teachings under the late H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche, and many other great siddhas.

Keeping in view of his wonderful qualities of a master, H.H. Penor Rinpoche appointed him as Head of Palyul Mother Monastery in Tibet in 1994. On 14 August 2000, he was formally enthroned as the lineage holder.Since H.H. Penor Rinpoche’s parinirvana, H.H. Kuchen Rinpoche has begun to care for Namdroling Monastery in India and Palyul centers worldwide as well.